Juanita Bates

Juanita Joyce (Kay) Bates,88, passed away on April 18, 2026. She was born in Hollis, Oklahoma, on September 5, 1937, to parents Dora Mae and Sidney Elmer White.

Juanita grew up in Hollis, Oklahoma, and then lived in Amarillo, Texas, for several years before moving to Rockport. She graduated from Hollis High School in 1955 and went on to graduate from college with an LVN degree.

Juanita loved to garden, craft, play cards, and volunteer at her church, Coastal Oaks Baptist. She worked many years with Dr. Warner in Rockport and retired as a school nurse for Rockport ISD Middle School. She spent lots of time in her yard and working on her home, while enjoying the company of her schnauzer Toby, who brought her joy and kept her busy with his antics!

Left to cherish her memory is her sister, Ellen Briscoe; son-in-law, Joel Sanders; sisters-in-law, Carol Bates, Doris Bates; several nieces and nephews.

Preceded in death by Parents, Dora and Sidney Elmer White; Husband, D.E. Bates; Sister, Riley Langley; sister and brother-in-law, Colleen and Nelson Hays; daughter, Deborah Kay Sanders; son, David Hays; favorite cokers, BamBam and Cuddles.

Visitation will be held at 9:00 am. - 9:30 a.m. Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Charlie Marshall Funeral Home in Rockport, Texas. A Graveside Service will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at Aransas Memorial Park Cemetery.

In Lieu of flowers, please donate to Coastal Oaks Baptist Church in honor of Juanita Bates.